Did you know?
- Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the fifth leading cause of death of older African Americans.
- African Americans are generally diagnosed at later stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
- The risk of developing Alzheimer’s is two to three times higher for African Americans.
- African Americans have higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart diseases, which increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
- Persons with a history of either high blood pressure or high cholesterol are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
- Those with both risk factors are four times more likely to develop dementia.
One thing is clear: African Americans need more education about Alzheimer’s and other dementias as well as the benefit of early diagnosis. Why? To confirm that confusion and/or memory loss is indeed Alzheimer’s or another dementia (not some other condition with those symptoms). To plan more quality time with family and friends. To learn ways to stay active while living with memory loss. And that’s why Aging and Disability Services promotes brain health.
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